ABSTRACT
Objective:To investigate the prevalence of Candida spp.and the virulence factors of Candida albicans (C.albicans) isolated from external surfaces of blow flies collected from Mae Sot,Tak Province,Thailand,Methods:The blow flies were collected by sterile sweep nets from three areas in Mae Sot.Yeast isolation was first performed on Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA) supplemented with chloramphenicol and cycloheximide.The yeast isolates were then identified by using chromogenic agar,a yeast identification test kit,a germ tube formation test and a carbohydrate utilization test.The β-hemolysis was determined on 7％ sheep blood agar,while phospholipase activity was measured on SDA agar supplemented with 10％ egg yolk suspension.Antifungal susceptibility testing was determined by broth micro-dilution testing against ketoconazole and amphotericin B.Results:The prevalence rate of Candida spp.on the external surfaces of the blow flies was 78.1％.All C.albicans isolated from the blow fly demonstrated β-hemolysin and potent phospholipase activities and 47.1％ of C.albicans were resistant to ketoconazole with MIC values 128 μg/mL.Conclusions:The result s indicate that blow flies could play an essential role in the transmission of potentially pathogenic and antifungal resistant C.albicans into the environment.Further investigation on other virulence factors and genetic relatedness among isolates from the blow flies,the environment and clinical specimens is required to confirm this role.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Although tropical climate of Thailand is suitably endowed with biodiversity of insects, flies of medical importance is not well investigated. Using information from literature search, fly survey approach and specialist's experience, we review database of Sarcophaga (Liosarcophaga) dux Thomson (Diptera: Sarcophagidae), one of the priorities flesh fly species of medical importance in Thailand. RESULTS: This review deals with morphology, bionomics and medical involvement. Important morphological characteristics of egg, larva, puparia and adult were highlighted with illustration and/or micrographs. Search pertaining to molecular analysis used for fly identification and developmental rate of larvae were included. Medical involvement of larvae was not only myiasis-producing agent in humans and animals, but associated with human death investigations. CONCLUSIONS: This information will enable us to accurate identify this species and to emphasis the increase medically important scene in Thailand.